Toyota Enthusiast Body Shop in SoCal? :(

Hey crew, I have a sad story.

My, new to me, immaculate, 2004 taco w/ 11k miles on it was rear ended. Insurance wants to total it since they can't wrap their mind around this vehicle actually being collectible so I'm considering buying it back and having it repaired. Most body shops I've talked to won't work on a salvage title, so I'm looking for a shop that might be willing to work on my truck.

I'm expecting since it's a salvage title that I won't do a 100% repair and would want someone to help pull the dents and paint the cab, replace the tailgate and fix the bumper + mounts, etc, but not pull the whole thing apart or try to make it like-new.

The bed is slightly crooked at one of the front corners, which might mean the frame is a little tweaked, but I'm hoping it's just the bed and I could leave it alone.

Thanks

 

wow! 11k miles that is probably beyond the top scale of NADA grading
is this damage estimated to be > $10k at reputable shop?

 

Damage was estimated over $15k. Fortunately I found some good recent comps from bringatrailer.com and ebay, but we'll see what they think about it.

 

MSRP was about $23k or so on that model?

 

Well, really nice ones are selling for more than they cost new these days...

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2004-toyota-tacoma-20/
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2004-Toyota-Tacoma-SR5/163634278363?LH_ItemCondition=3000|2500
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2006-toyota-tacoma-3/


If anyone has any links to recent sales with VINs I would also appreciate that.

Thanks!

 

Oh man, that hurts...11k miles on an 04. Looks like mine too.

If there's frame damage then it makes sense that they want to total it, frame damage will total most vehicles.

If it's not too severe you can buy it back from them and see if you can find a shop that will straighten the frame.

 

I got my 2004 4x4 TRD xtra cab 3 years ago with 24k miles on it for $20k at a Toyota dealership, but even if they value your truck at $20k or more...frame damage is frame damage. I still think you should let them total it if they want to and buy it back, that is if you can find a shop that thinks they can get the frame straight again.

Man I'd be so pissed if someone rear ended my truck like that..sorry to hear man.

 

If it’s frame damage, walk away. It sucks so very much but don’t fuck with frame damage.